Dogwood Daily: Rabbit running for president

Welcome to today’s edition of the Dogwood Daily. We’ve got a round-up of all of today’s Virginia news coming right up. And if you’re a fan, please forward to three friends who need to know what’s going on in the Commonwealth and tell them to subscribe here. 

But first …

Want to go shopping on your campaign’s dime? Go for it — that’s still legal in Virginia. Meanwhile, in Maryland, Del. Tawanna Gaines faces years behind bars for using campaign funds for personal expenses. Back in the Commonwealth, the question remains: Will the GOP ever stop blocking ethics reform? The Washington Post Editorial Board opines.

Five things you need to know today …

1. Democrats’ promise of a new Virginia spooks Republicans: Democrats are ecstatic about their chances of flipping the General Assembly. Gaining control of the state House and Senate would enable them to pass the Equal Rights Amendment, raise the minimum wage to $15/hour, and usher in a wave of gun reforms. That’s sending shivers down Republican state party Chairman Jack Wilson’s spine. -Washington Post
   
   
2. Voter registration deadline is tomorrow: Tomorrow is the last day Virginians can register to vote for the Nov. 5 election. Voters can register online, here. With Republicans defending narrow majorities in each chamber and Democrats making a big push for control, these races are a major focus. -WTOP
   
   
3. Northam issues drought watch for entire state: It’s been dry and it’s only getting dryer. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam placed the state under a drought watch Sunday. More than half the state is experiencing a water deficit, which could have “lasting impacts,” he said. -The Hill
   
   
4. Judge strikes down Virginia race requirement for marriage license as unconstitutional: A federal judge ruled that a Virginia law requiring people to state their race when applying for a marriage license is unconstitutional because it violates the 14th Amendment right to due process. Plaintiffs’ attorney Victor M. Glasberg was pleased with the ruling, but said, “the only unfortunate part is that it took a United States district judge to strike a Jim Crow provision that the state of Virginia insisted on defending in court.”
   
   
5. Giant Virginia Beach bunny running for president: Lord Roland Watson Beldon Maxwell VII, America’s largest bunny, kicked off his presidential campaign Sunday. This rabbit is running to raise awareness about what people should know before they buy an exotic animal. -ABC13